British Queen Uses Walking Stick for Knee

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Queen Elizabeth II used a walking stick Wednesday as she carried out her first official public engagement since undergoing surgery on her right knee more than two weeks ago.

The 76-year-old monarch showed little sign of discomfort as she formally unveiled a set of wrought iron gates on the royal Sandringham estate in eastern England.

The gates _ designed and built by servicemen and women from each of the armed forces _ were presented to mark her 50 years on the throne.

The queen was on her feet for about 20 minutes as she examined the gates with her husband Prince Philip and senior army, navy and air force officers.

She is rarely seen in public with the heads of the armed forces, and security was tight. The British military is sending tens of thousands of soldiers to the Persian Gulf for a possible U.S.-led war with Iraq.

"We sought advice from the royal family, and it was determined that these would be the most appropriate gift and a useful addition to the Sandringham estate," said Elliott.

Royal officials have said the monarch hurt herself during a visit to Newmarket, in Suffolk, eastern England, before Christmas. Since the operation to remove torn cartilage from her right knee, the queen has been recuperating at the Sandringham estate.